Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports the Marlins informed Stanton in October that they would look to trade off other top players to reduce payroll if he would not waive his no-trade rights and accept a deal elsewhere.

The 28-year-old Stanton holds a full no-trade clause in his contract, which will pay him $295 million over the next 10 years with an opt-out after the 2020 season.

Spencer adds the Marlins did not make an ultimatum to Stanton, who does not wish to be part of a rebuild, but it was a way to inform the National League’s Most Valuable Player that they have options.